Source: Kendrick On Short Leash In 2009

A source close to Kyle Kendrick has informed me that Kendrick said he has until June to prove himself, or else he’ll be traded.

Obviously, Kendrick isn’t an automatic for the 25-man roster out of Spring Training. Word is he’ll compete with JA Happ and Carlos Carrasco for the fifth-starter spot. Kendrick, 24, struggled in 2008, going 11-9 with a 5.49 ERA.

The source also informed me that Kendrick had a slew of mental hiccups during the 2008 season, which may have veered him off the focus of his job. The source cited a volatile situation, during a road trip in San Diego, where Kendrick seemed emotionally lost. In San Diego, in a start, Kendrick lasted only 3.2 innings, giving up six runs in a 10-7 loss.

Take this all for what it’s worth, but I trust this source, and the idea of Kendrick being on the block by June seems obvious enough.